The Australian senior slalom team have arrived in Prague in preparation for the first world cup which will take place this weekend.

The Australian team have previously had success at this event and should feel fairly comfortable on the local course.

Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) scholarship holder Robin Bell has twice medalled at the Prague World Cup, however with Bell not competing this year, the team will need to step up and take the opportunity to gain some early ranking points in the first of three World Cup races.

Australia’s best medal hopes lay with the ever improving C1 women’s paddlers Rosalyn Lawrence (AIS), Leanne Lawrence, Leanne Guinea (AIS) and newcomer Jessica Fox (AIS) who have all paddled strongly in the newly introduced class.

Beijing Olympian, Warwick Draper (AIS) will draw on all his experience and should prove competitive in the men’s K1 class with Will Forsythe also a strong contender.

Kate Lawrence (AIS) leads the way in the ladies K1 class and will be eager to repeat her World Cup gold and silver medal performances of 2008 and 2009 respectively.